UK Boxing: Paddy Barnes; Nikita Ababiy; Nkosi Solomon

Paddy Barnes will walk out to challenge Cristofer Rosales for the WBC world flyweight title at Windsor Park on Saturday for what will be a deafening and, according to ‘The Leprechaun’ “defining”, occasion.

The 31-year-old (5-0-KO1) has his big chance to add professional glory to his famous list of amateur achievements and believes he’s at the top of his game to take on Nicaragua’s Rosales (27-3-KO18).

Barnes said: “I’ve approached this differently. I’ve really dedicated myself on nutrition. Making the weight has been easier. It’s still hard but it’s easier than it was because I’ve been smarter about what I eat.

“My whole attitude towards sport has changed. I’ve two kids now so I need to provided for my family. Plus, I want to better my own career.

“Right now, this fight is my sixth fight and I’ve a chance of creating history.

“I always thought my style was more suited to the professional game but turning over has been tough for me because nobody wanted to sign me. Nobody knew who I was.

“Thankfully, MTK Global signed me and after five fights, I’m fighting for a WBC world title.

“Yes, I’ve had success as an amateur at the Olympic Games and whatever but this will define me as a boxer. It defines my career.”

Another Belfast hero on the card on the night is Carl Frampton, who clashes with Luke Jackson while lineal heavyweight king Tyson Fury faces Francesco Pianeta and a whole host of emerging stars look to steal the headlines on the undercard.

Visit ticketmaster.ie for tickets or catch all the action live on BT Sport.

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Nikita Ababiy will make his professional debut in the first Matchroom Boxing USA show live on DAZN at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago on October 6.

The 19 year old Brooklyn talent know as ‘White Chocolate’ will join fellow former Team USA debutant Nkosi Solomon in taking his first steps in the professional game on the bill topped by Jessie Vargas’ clash with Thomas Dulorme – and the 19 year old former Jr. Golden Gloves champion cannot wait to showcase his skills live on DAZN.

“I’m so excited, this is what I’ve been training for my whole life and it’s time to show the world who ‘White Chocolate’ is,” said Ababiy.

“I’ve never been to Chicago so I’m looking forward to making my debut in a new city, it just adds to the whole occasion for me.

“I know that I am going to be really active with Eddie Hearn and DAZN. I think we’re looking at trying to fight ten times in the first year which would be great.

“The first couple of fights is looking to get experience. When I start facing fighters that are stronger then we may look to go down the weights, I think I could make Super-Welterweight and maybe even 147lbs, who knows, I want to do it all, winning World titles at multiple weights is the dream.

“I’ll fight anybody. Whoever wants to fight, let’s fight. I just want to take over, I want to win in every division and be a pound-for-pound star.

“People will always remember that Nikita Ababiy was one of the first guys to sign with Eddie Hearn and DAZN in the States. I am my biggest challenge. I know what I have to do. I cannot back down, that’s what makes me different.

“White Chocolate came about because when I was in the gym training and sparring, I was pretty flashy and they were saying ‘he’s white, with a lot of rhythm, let’s call him white chocolate’ and ever since then, that’s what it’s been ever since!

“I know that my style is awkward, I don’t like to be predictable. I train like I am preparing to fight the best in the world, that’s how I train, if I’m coming I’m ready – that’s all it is.”

Ababiy will take his spot under the bright lights as Matchroom Boxing USA and DAZN usher in a new era in boxing in America.

There are two great World title clashes between IBF World Light-Heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev against Briton Callum Johnson and WBA World Super-Bantamweight champion Daniel Roman defending his crown for the third time against Britain’s Gavin McDonnell.

Ababiy’s fellow Brooklynite Jarrell Miller is right in the mix for the big fights in the Heavyweight division and he takes on Poland’s Tomasz Adamek, the former two-weight World champion who picked up and defended the Polish title in his last two fights in his homeland.

Along with these World stars, Chicago fight fans will be able to back two of their own on the night, with former World Lightweight title challenger Jessica McCaskill in action on the bill along with unbeaten Bantamweight prospect Shawn Simpson.

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Nkosi Solomon will make his professional debut in the first Matchroom Boxing USA show live on DAZN at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago on October 6.

The 23 year old amateur star from Brownsville, Brooklyn is billed as a future star in the Heavyweight division by promoter Eddie Hearn, and the former Team USA man and number one amateur in the States is thrilled to be joining the paid ranks in the Windy City on a stellar undercard to Jessie Vargas’ clash with Thomas Dulorme.

“My dream is right in front of me, right there, I just have to grab it,” said Solomon. “Nkosi Solomon is the only and greatest challenge I have to overcome when it comes to this boxing thing.

“I’m conquering my mind because once I do that, nobody, and I mean nobody in this world, can stop me.

“I have a dream to accomplish and I’ll be damned if I am going to let another man get in there and have his will beat my will.

“It’s a surreal feeling. I’ve been chasing this dream for so long, to become the undisputed Heavyweight champion of the world, as you get steps closer it feels amazing. The support I’ve had already is amazing and I just cannot wait to get started in Chicago and show what I’ve got.

“The talent in the gym allows me to be better as a man and a fighter. I’ve been in there for five years and I’ve been working hard every day.

“I’ve got an educated style – I’m a boxer-puncher, I want to be out there being smart and using my mind, don’t get me wrong, I like to fight, but the point of this game is to hit and not get hit – but I will be exciting to watch, believe me.”

Solomon will take his spot under the bright lights as Matchroom Boxing USA and DAZN usher in a new era in boxing in America.

There are two great World title clashes between IBF World Light-Heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev against Briton Callum Johnson and WBA World Super-Bantamweight champion Daniel Roman defending his crown for the third time against Britain’s Gavin McDonnell.

Solomon’s fellow Brooklynite Jarrell Miller is right in the mix for the big fights in the Heavyweight division and he takes on Poland’s Tomasz Adamek, the former two-weight World champion who picked up and defended the Polish title in his last two fights in his homeland.

Along with these World stars, Chicago fight fans will be able to back two of their own on the night, with former World Lightweight title challenger Jessica McCaskill in action on the bill along with unbeaten Bantamweight prospect Shawn Simpson.